A survey has been launched to find out how many people in the region are too poor to eat.

Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) commissioned the study after research suggested a third of the population had sometimes gone without food because they couldn’t afford it.

Five per cent said it had happened more than six times in the past year and 28 per cent said it happened between one and six times over the same period.

The Food on the Table survey will run for the next month. It can be completed online at www.cas.org.uk/foodonthetable and a paper copy is available from Citizens Advice in Annan, Dumfries and Castle Douglas.

Dumfries and Galloway Citizens Advice chief executive Sue Irving said: “Those that come through our doors often talk about how hard it can be for them to put food on the table.

“Cost is certainly a major issue for many, but it is not the only one. We also hear from people who find it hard to access good quality food at affordable prices in the local shops. We also know from our own ‘Cost of Living in Dumfries and Galloway’ research that accessing low cost food can be very difficult in the region.

“The Scottish CAB network is running this national survey, and I want to make sure that Dumfries and Galloway as a region is heard.”

She added: “The results will be used to inform government ministers and help shape future policy on food, so it is important that people here don’t miss out on their chance to have their say.

“So we are asking everyone to complete this short survey. We want to hear from people of all backgrounds and sections of society.

“It only takes a few minutes and you don’t have to give your name, but the more responses we get the stronger our voice will be.”

Research carried out in April also revealed that 36 per cent of the people who responded had gone without basic toiletries because of a lack of cash.

Almost half – 47 per cent – didn’t have appropriate shoes for the weather and 27 per cent said they had failed to pay council tax because they didn’t have enough cash.